Anderson man dies in Saturday fire

May 11—ANDERSON — A 51-year-old man has died as a result of an overnight fire in Anderson.

Madison County Coroner Adam Matson said Russell Turpen died as a result of possible injuries sustained in the early Saturday morning fire, with the cause of death undetermined pending autopsy and toxicology reports.

Anderson Fire Chief Dave Cravens said units were dispatched to the 700 block of West Seventh Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. He said the two-story house was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

Cravens said firefighters were unable to enter the building through the front entrance and gained entry though a back door. He said firefighters found a blind woman trying to leave the house. She was transported to a local hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Firefighters were able to assist a man exit the building, and he was also transported to the hospital.

Cravens said three engine companies, a battalion chief, rescue and ambulance were on the scene for three hours, with 20 firefighters battling the blaze.

He said the house is a complete loss and, as of Monday, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.